Spike Chunsoft and Bandai Namco’s upcoming 3D arena brawler Jump Force has a lot going for it. Drawing inspiration from 50 years of Shonen Jump history, the game has huge potential to include a litany of iconic anime characters in its roster. Naruto and Sasuke from Naruto, Monkey D. Luffy and Zoro from One Piece, Goku and Frieza from Dragon Ball Z, and Ichigo, Rukia, and Aizen from Bleach are just the tip of the iceberg. In a perfect world, every Jump series should be allocated at least one character slot. However, the following franchises are those that simply must be included should the title want to sell like hotcakes both in Japan and overseas.
Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter is an international critical and commercial success filled to the brim with intelligent and interesting characters. Protagonist Gon Freecs is the son of a legendary Pro Hunter who hopes to one day find his father. Alongside a near limitless supply of energy at his disposal, the 11-year-old boasts an impressive signature “rock, paper, scissors” move that could translate into Jump Force well. His companion, Killua Zoldyck, is just as formidable and deserving of a spot, if only for his insane lightning powers. There’s also the villainous Hisoka, whose bubblegum tricks could add an interesting tactical element into the game.
My Hero Academia
Arguably the most popular franchise in Shonen Jump right now, My Hero Academia can offer Jump Force a range of agile combatants and heavy hitters. For starters, protagonist Izuku Midoriya – or Deku – can use his newfound “One for All” powers to unleash a bevy of powerful punches, kicks, and even flicks at his opponents. Izuku’s rival, Katsuki Bakugo, can use his sweat blasts to either damage enemies or move away from incoming projectiles in a hurry. There’s also fan-favorite Shoto Todoroki to consider, who’s ice and fire powers can hit unsuspecting adversaries from afar.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Fighters from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure would add a much-needed comedic element to the game while keeping true to its action-packed style. In particular, the title is begging for Dio Brando to show up. This villain, who labels himself as a “cool vampire,” perfectly encapsulates what this weird franchise is all about. This could extend to his moveset, the likes of which can include Dio’s flesh buds, vaporization freezing technique, and, of course, space ripper stingy eyes. Jotaro Kujo is also worthy of an appearance, if only just to say one of his signature lines.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho‘s cast of characters could offer a lot of variation in Jump Force. For starters, companion Kazuma Kuwabara boasts an awesome spirit sword. Kurama can control plant life and, when in full-demon Youko Kurama mode, can completely alter the battlefield in a matter of seconds. There’s also the show’s protagonist, Yusuke Urameshi, who’s signature finger point needs to be implemented in the game one way or another.
Gintama
Given the immense popularity of the franchise in Japan, the inclusion of Gintama characters in the game seems likely. It would be interesting to see how Spike Chunsoft diversifies protagonist Gintoki from the rest of the roster. He is, after all, an incredibly nimble swordsman much in the same vein as Ichigo from Bleach or Zoro from One Piece. Luckily, the rest of the cast offers potential for much different movesets, especially Kagura. Aside from being incredibly strong, this young lady sports a bullet-proof umbrella that can fire rounds of its own into incoming enemies.
Saint Seiya
The Saint Seiya franchise is one of the earliest and most iconic in all of Shonen Jump history. Unfortunately, the show hasn’t achieved the same success its counterparts like Dragon Ball Z and My Hero Academia have enjoyed internationally. If Jump Force would allow just one character from Saint Seiya in its roster, it would have to be Dragon Shiryu. Seen across many iterations of the series, Shiryu has potential to literally lift his opponents into the cosmos. His “One Hundred Rising Dragons” move unleashes 100 fire-breathing dragons onto enemies, each devouring a bit of their target before fading away. If that isn’t the most badass special attack ever conceived, I don’t know what is.
Assassination Classroom
Assassination Classroom‘s contribution to the title doesn’t necessarily have to come in the form of a student. Rather, Kuro-sensei has potential in Jump Force as an ultra-powerful tentacle monster that can wield multiple explosives at once. Responsible for blowing up 70% of the moon before coming to Earth, Kuro-sensei could lend a hand in the game’s narrative, too. Who knows – he may help Light Yagami jot down some names in the Death Note. He’s got a lot of arms, after all.
Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo
Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo isn’t exactly the easiest franchise to pronounce on this list. It is, however, one of the more intriguing inclusions. If the titular character makes his way into Jump Force, it’ll be interesting to see how he uses his magic nose hairs to manipulate enemies. Lifts, grabs, seismic tosses, and more are within the realm of possibility. Here’s hoping the developer is willing to allow a moveset this weird a coveted spot on the roster.
Black Cover
Seeing as how Black Clover is currently running in Shonen Jump, the addition of the show’s lead Asta in the game would make sense. Asta is in possession of the epic Five-Leaf Clover Grimoire, an item that grants him the ability to nullify magic in his vicinity. He also wields a variety of swords that absorb magic from his enemies and unleash devastating attacks in return. The force and range of his swings improves depending on the amount of mana he collects. How this will all translate into Jump Force is exciting, to say the least.
Fist of the North Star
Fist of the North Star‘s Kenshiro has become something of a cultural phenomenon since this franchise’s debut in the 80’s. Considered the “God of Death” by many in his world, this protagonist is the 64th successor to the Hokuto Shinken martial art style. Kenshiro’s mastery of the technique gifts him unparalleled strength, including the ability to chop an opponent’s head in half. The assassin has a broad arsenal of physical skills available to him. How Jump Force capitalizes on them remains to be seem, but the potential is definitely there.
What other famous Shonen Jump franchises do you want to see? Let us know in the comments below!
